And star teen Alan Forrest signed an improved extended contract in what Roberts hailed as an outstanding piece of business.

Table-toppers Ayr are now close to adding an experienced former SPL central defender who they have tracked all summer.

And a Premier League wide man could follow on a 93-day loan deal.

Seven-times capped Beattie, who moved for £1.2million from Celtic to West Brom in 2007, reckons he might have to wait for his debut – because the team is riding high in League One.

Beattie, who had signed for Maltese club Zebbug Rangers only two weeks ago, revealed: “Malta wasn’t to be for me – it was one of these foreign things that sometimes come off and sometimes don’t.

“I’m leaving behind the sunshine but at least there’s still a beach nearby.

“I’ve known Mark for more than 10 years. He’s very friendly, has a face you never forget and I’ve long had mutual respect for him.

“It was quite easy for things to develop. I watched Ayr against Morton and Stenhousemuir and have been very impressed.

“I’m fit and ready to go but the kid up front is scoring goals so I might have to force my way in.

“Going part-time doesn’t bother me. Football is a 24:7 thing for me and part-time training isn’t that different from being full-time where Monday is usually recovery, Wednesday is day off and Friday is a light session.”

Roberts, who was beaten by Ross County to Dundee United’s Michael Gardyne, is delighted at his two captures and reckons Forrest can prosper.

He said: “Wee Forrest needs first-team football and Ayr is a great place for his development.

“He has signed for another year and is now on better wages. But we’ve done that with others when they come into the team and do well.

“Signing Beattie was my worst-kept secret.

“He’s been at top clubs with top players and I can tell he is hungry by the way he is talking.

“But first he’s got to get Ryan Donnelly out the side. Part of our success has been the shape of the team and Ryan is the man with the jersey.”

With no game this week due to the international break, crocks Martyn Campbell, Kevin McKinlay and Peter Murphy get extra time to recover for the visit of Stranraer on September 13.